Mustafa Chamran: The Scientist Who Became a Soldier of God
The Untold Story of Iran’s U.S.-Educated Revolutionary Martyr
Few lives embody the spirit of sacrifice and revolutionary zeal as powerfully as that of Martyr Mustafa Chamran. His journey—from the academic halls of America to the battlefields of Iran—stands as a testament to unwavering faith, intellect, and devotion to his homeland.
Born in Tehran in 1932, Mustafa Chamran pursued higher education in the United States, earning a PhD in electrical engineering and plasma physics from the University of California, Berkeley. He later conducted research in Texas, gaining expertise that could have secured him a prestigious career in the West. Yet, his heart remained tied to his roots, and the call of revolution soon redirected his path.
The Path of Revolution
Inspired by the teachings of Imam Khomeini and the struggle against oppression, Chamran abandoned his academic prospects to join liberation movements abroad. He trained with guerrilla fighters in Lebanon and Egypt, honing military skills that would later prove vital to Iran’s defense. When the Islamic Revolution triumphed in 1979, he returned home, eager to serve the nascent Islamic Republic.
Warrior and Martyr
When Saddam Hussein’s forces invaded Iran in 1980, Chamran took up arms on the front lines. Appointed as Iran’s first Defense Minister and later as a military commander, he led troops with both strategic brilliance and unshakable faith. His leadership was pivotal in key battles, including the liberation of Dehlavieh.
On June 21, 1981, Chamran achieved martyrdom during combat in the southern warzone. His death cemented his legacy as a symbol of resistance—a man who traded privilege for sacrifice, and knowledge for action.
A Legacy That Endures
Today, Martyr Mustafa Chamran is revered not only as a war hero but as an intellectual who embodied the unity of science and faith. His life continues to inspire generations, proving that true devotion transcends borders, comforts, and even life itself.
Source: The Official Website of Ayatullah Khamenei
An epic film Che (2014) about the life of Martyr Mustafa Chamran has been directed by Ebrahim Hatamikia and produced by Mahdi Karimi, presented by The Farabi Cinema Foundation and released by Iranian TV and Radio in 2014, with full English subtitles.